Application Fee
See agencyAthletic Trainer Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 3 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
They design training programs, treat and rehabilitate injuries under the direction of a physician or therapist and use knowledge of nutrition, conditioning, protective equipment and psychology to help athletic performance.
- 6
Satisfy education and experience requirements and examination requirements.
- 7
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
The applicant must have received a baccalaureate degree, have obtained at least 1,500 hours of supervised athletic training experience and successfully completed at least one formal course in each of the following areas: health, human anatomy, kinesiology/biomechanics, human physiology, physiology of exercise, basic athletic training, and advanced athletic training.
- 9
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 10
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years
- Salary Position
$54,040 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $54,040, Athletic Trainers in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $60,250. Tennessee ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$54,040Hourly estimate
$25.98Difference: -$6,210
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAthletic Trainer Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $77,350 |
| #2 | California | $74,150 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $70,930 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $67,090 |
| #5 | Texas | $66,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Athletic Trainer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $54,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 months |
| Kentucky | $51,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,200 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $52,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $61,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $53,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 3 years |
| Mississippi | $52,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $53,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $54,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324384
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Athletic Trainers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Athletic Trainers.
What education do you need to become a Athletic Trainer in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Athletic Trainer licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in Tennessee is $54,040. Salaries range from $18,620 (10th percentile) to $71,850 (90th percentile).
How does the Athletic Trainer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Athletic Trainers in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $54,040.
How many Athletic Trainers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 610 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years.